A Visit with Mom.

I’m in Arkansas visiting my mother. She was leaving church last weekend when she stumbled and fell. In the fall she fractured her hip. She is in good spirits, as she is surrounded by numerous friends and family, and at eighty-two, has learned to take life in stride. I drove in late last night and went on out to my mom and dad’s home, the only home we have ever lived in. My nearly ninety-year-old dad greeted me at the door, and helped me prepare the bed where I would be sleeping. It was a comedic scene as we both struggled to get the sheet to fit. We gave up.

After preparing me a late night snack of watermelon, he then showed me all of the recent bargains he had discovered at the newly opened Goodwill Store. Among the treasures was a giant butterfly (scary), a $5.00 floor sweeper, and a sausage grinder. I slept well. After Dad prepared breakfast we went to visit my mom. Mom greeted me with a smile, a hug, and a kiss. Dad immediately took a seat and started talking, mom and I could hardly get a word in. We had a wonderful visit. For lunch I asked Dad to buy me a Kreme Kastle (Yes that is how you spell it) barbecue, a local favorite. I don’t think he heard me. I bought a barbecue for me and him. I also gladly bought one for my brother Ron, who walked in to visit my mom just as we were leaving. Dad was very attentive to my mom. It was impressive. I think my mom was happy to be “fussed” over, especially by my Dad. It was a good moment.

After lunch, Dad and I returned home. I sat outside and read for a bit, enjoying an unseasonably cool Delta summer day. I could hear my dad inside using the floor sweeper. I walked inside and found my Dad with sweat dripping from his nose. He had run the floor sweeper all over the house. Mom always said “Dad doesn’t know when to quit.” He was proud of his accomplishment, prouder still of the bargain price for the floor sweeper. We returned to visit my mother in the afternoon. My niece Sarah and her son Ramsey were visiting. Sarah had bought my mom some new pajamas and shoes. Serving faithfully. Mom was happy.

My mother has faithfully served others her entire life, and now she is a position where that service is being returned. She has certainly lovingly served and cared for me! I don’t think any of us would choose the pain of a fractured hip, and certainly my mom wouldn’t have chosen it. But I think she would agree with me, as we sit here, it is a small price to pay for all the love on display. Scripture does say, “Cast your bread on the waters and after many days it will return to you.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1) It also says “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18) Be encouraged mom. The best is yet to come. Perhaps in a small way it’s already here.